When to start charging in a consultancy situation.

I'm doing some niche type of consultancy work and am new to it. Still have a main job. I've been approached by a large organisation with a view to working on some projects and have given them some outline proposals with costings and have had a couple of phone chats. They have indicated they are happy with everything.

We are now setting up a meeting of up to three hours in which we will go into more detail of how I could suggest they proceed on proposed projects. I'm planning to bill for this meeting. Does that sound right? Do to want to put them off but also don't want to give to ouch away!

A 3 hour meeting is definitely getting into chargeable territory. But you both need to agree on that. I'd follow up with an email confirming you are delighted that they are ready to kick-off/spec out in detail the work/project before you meet rather than have an issue when you invoice them.